The labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral, France. I haven’t visited this one … yet.

A few years ago, I discovered prayer labyrinths. Usually when I try to explain a labyrinth to people, they picture a maze with walls. A labyrinth is like a maze except there are no dead ends. There is a path that leads you into the center and then one that leads you back out. I’ve never been to one with walls, though there are some.

Besides the misconception that one can get lost in a labyrinth, many associate the use of a labyrinth with religions other than Christianity. The use of labyrinths, however, has been a part of Christian worship since at least the fourth century. You will find labyrinths in ancient cathedrals. They have been used to represent a pilgrimage to the Holy Land for people who could not make the journey and have been a part of Easter celebrations for decades.

The people who make labyrinths do so to provide a place for meditation and prayer, so the outdoor ones are usually surrounded by beautiful landscaping. Most I’ve been to also have accompanying prayer gardens. I have made it a goal to visit all the labyrinths in the St. Louis area. So far I’ve been to five. I also look to see if there are any along the way when I’m on a road trip or in another area.

I’ve set up this page to catalogue the posts I’ve written while on a labyrinth walk, as well as posts that include pictures of ones I’ve visited. Click the links below to view those items.

The Pain in Peace

Positioning Yourself to Hear

Finding Peace in the Midst of Chaos 

A Hint of Life, but Death Is Still in the Background

A Video and Thank You Note for One of My Favorite Places to Write

A Hospital Maze, a Labyrinth and a Path for My Father